Everyone a winner at Ardee & District juvenile awards
ARDEE & District AC’s juvenile members took a well-earned break on Sunday last as they descended on the lounge of the Railway Bar on Main Street.
Once again Bridie and Brendan Faulkner kindly played host to the club’s annual awards and end-of-year party and as they arrived the 50+ juvenile members were each given a raffle ticket to be kept safe until the draw later in the day.
Light refreshments were served to all present before club chairman Derek Gillespie gave his short speech on some of the club’s successes, both on and off the track.
Soon it was time for the all-important presentations, the first of those being the Seamie Weldon merit awards which are earned by someone who may not always win the race but will most certainly keep going, show true grit and determination during training sessions and go out and compete to the very best of their abilities.
The worthy winners of the merit awards were Jack McCarron and Arthur Sands (12 and under) and Rebecca McCarron and Emma Gillespie in the over 12 category.
Presentations were then made to the Athletes of the Year in male and female 12 and under and male and female over 12 categories, and these are made for athletes’ achievements in both track and field and cross-country.
While making their decisions the coaches and mentors also take into consideration the athletes’ attitude towards mentors and peers at training, their participation at training and overall positivity towards the sport.
This year’s recipients were Hallie Sands and James Maguire in the 12 and under, with Abbie Sheridan and Conor McMahon winning the over 12s.
Finally, it was time to take out the tickets and wait for the numbers to be called in the much anticipated raffle. Parents are asked to contribute a prize for the raffle, so no child goes home empty-handed and everyone becomes a winner.
Ardee & District AC would like to thank Bridie and Brendan Faulkner in the Railway Bar for once again allowing the club to use their premises, and who generously provided the refreshments and soft drinks on the day.